U.S. drops WBC opener to Gonzalez, Mexico

March 8, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 1

The Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez, playing for Mexico, hits a 2-run home run in the third inning against the United States during a World Baseball Classic first-round game in Phoenix on Friday. CHRISTIAN PETERSEN, GETTY IMAGES

The Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez, playing for Mexico, hits a 2-run home run in the third inning against the United States during a World Baseball Classic first-round game in Phoenix on Friday. CHRISTIAN PETERSEN, GETTY IMAGES

PHOENIX – First, Adrian Gonzalez fist-pumped his way home after his third-inning two-run homer off R.A. Dickey, which opened up Friday's World Baseball Classic Pool D game between the United States and Mexico.

Then he did it again when Mexico escaped from a serious seventh-inning jam. And he took it a step further when he corralled the final out on a grounder from Jimmy Rollins and stepped on first himself, hugging closer Sergio Romo.

The normally mild-mannered Gonzalez, the Dodgers' first baseman, used emotions to help power Mexico to a 5-2 victory over the United States at Chase Field, extending his team's life in tournament play another day.

"This is incredible," Gonzalez said through a translator afterward. "We went out and played close to a perfect game. This is an amazing victory for Mexico."

Gonzalez, born in San Diego but raised in Tijuana, is playing in his third World Baseball Classic and his first as the Mexican team captain. He had three RBI Friday, also bringing in a run with a first-inning groundout and walking three times.

Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo, who started for Mexico, said Gonzalez was the team's primary motivator in the clubhouse after their surprise loss to Italy on Thursday.

"He's our leader," Gallardo said.

Gallardo threw three perfect innings before running into some trouble in the fourth and exiting before his set 50-pitch limit.

Dickey, the American starter, struggled from the outset, allowing two runs in the first and then two more on Gonzalez's decisive homer in the third. He gave up six hits in his four innings.

The Americans now face Italy in a must-win situation Saturday at 6 p.m. PT. The Italians, the clear underdog of Pool D entering the tournament, beat Mexico and then Canada and now have the opportunity to knock the United States out after back-to-back victories.

"That's the charm, I guess you can say, of a short series," said Joe Torre, the U.S. manager. "You really shouldn't be surprised by anything."

Team USA now needs to follow up a Saturday victory with another Sunday against Canada to have a chance at advancing past group play. Even then, the Americans will have to depend on run differential.

Torre said he was not worried about motivating his veteran-laden team to playing with long odds.

"When they showed up here, they were motivated," he said.

NOTES

Speaking to reporters during Friday's game, MLB commissioner Bud Selig said he envisions expanding the WBC far beyond its current status in the coming years, perhaps using it to transition to what he called a "real World Series," though he wouldn't specify exactly what would be different. Added Selig: "If we do it right, you won't recognize this sport in a decade." ... Tickets from the Angels' and Dodgers' rained-out Friday day games and all cancelled Cactus League games were honored – with a five-dollar charge – for entry into Friday night's tilt. A reported 1,650 used that offer to attend the game, with 44,256 in attendance. ... Angels minor-league first baseman Efren Navarro got into the game as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and was intentionally walked.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.